In light of the provincial health orders that were lifted last week, Bishop John Stephens has issued new Covid safety guidelines for churches in the Diocese of New Westminster. The Bishop’s pastoral letter can be read in full here. The Dean along with Cathedral Wardens and Staff have reviewed the new guidelines and determined that the Cathedral will move in phases towards lifting existing safety restrictions.
Effective this Sunday, March 20:
To attend an in-person worship service
-Vaccine passports will not be required
-Masks will not be required. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should do so.
-Masks are no longer required for singing
-There is NO capacity limit at in person worship services
-Physical distancing is no longer required. However, recognizing that everyone has different comfort levels at this time, you are encouraged to give others extra space, particularly while in the Nave.
Attending Coffee Hour and social gatherings at the Cathedral:
-For the time being, vaccine passports will be required to attend social gatherings at the Cathedral. This includes coffee hour after the services, formation sessions, Godly Play and youth groups.
Further changes will be introduced in the weeks ahead, in a phased manner, in order to give staff and ministry teams time to prepare.
Effective March 27, 2022:
-We will resume the passing of the collection plate during the Offertory
What has not yet changed:
-The sign of peace should be exchanged in a contact-free manner
-Communion will still be distributed in one kind only
-Proof of vaccination is required for coffee hours, formation sessions, workshops, Godly Play and other non-worship activities.
We have been living with different safety rules and layers of protection for two years. Some of us are eager to return to a pre-pandemic way of interacting with others. Some of us are not yet ready or able to remove all layers of protection. We thank you for your kindness and patience as we navigate this transition.
-No one should feel obligated to go without a mask. Everyone has different risk levels and comfort levels and may need or choose to continue wearing a mask. Please respect the decisions of others to mask or not.
-No one should feel obligated to attend services in person if they are not yet comfortable doing so. Live streaming is now an integral part of the worship experience at the Cathedral. The 10:30am, 5:30pm and 8pm services will all continue to be livestreamed. Virtual Coffee hour will continue to be held on Sundays at 12pm, on Zoom.